Traveling can be a lot of things for different people. Some might find it exuberant, while some may think it's utterly exhausting. Regardless of how a person feels about it, traveling brings one of the most wearisome tasks along, and that is the task of packing. Packing for a trip, whether long or short, can be annoying, to say the least. And many a time, a traveler has trouble deciding what to take on the trip and what to leave behind.
Sometimes, when excitement takes over, people can overpack thinking they would make use of everything on the trip until time reveals otherwise. Overpacking can add unnecessary baggage to a journey, and create an unneeded hassle for a traveler. When you have to buy souvenirs or when you have to lug your bag around, you find yourself weighed down due to the extra pounds in your bag. Overpacking can especially be a headache on short trips, like a weekend getaway or a sudden decampment. You don't need to have five clothing options and three pairs of shoes on a short journey. Only two dressing choices and a couple of shoes can suffice.
For a short trip, focus on your traveling essentials. And forget about those suede boots that you are dying to flaunt or those flashy hats that might as well be a sombrero. To make packing a little more comfortable yet effective for you, here's a list of everything you should pack for a short stay.
The Basics
Always keep the essential items in your fanny pack (if you are carrying one) or in your backpack. The basics include
- Identity Cards
- Passport
- Wallet
- Earplugs
- Gum
Electronics
- Phone
- Charging cords
- E-book Reader (if you are an avid reader)
- Headphones
- Adaptor
Having the necessary items at easy access allows you to check them or use them on flights or during drives (if you are taking a road trip) so you don't have to fish for them in your big bags.
Toiletries
Having toiletries is crucial for any trip. You don't know where the journey might take you. There is always a good chance of getting stuck somewhere, especially during a road trip. So always carry toiletries with you.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Basic makeup (Mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, blush)
- Razor
- Shampoo
- Soap
- A small first aid kit
Clothes and Accessories
Don't take piles of clothes with you; just a few basic options are enough to create two or three looks on a short trip.
- 3-4 pairs of underwear
- Two bras (try to keep a sports bra)
- 2-4 pairs of socks
- One pair of jeans
- One pair of shorts
- Two tops
- One sweater
- Sunglasses
- A snapback or cap
- One jacket or coat
- One scarf (if you are traveling in the winter)
- One pair of comfortable shoes and 1 set of flip-flops
- One dress or dress suit (optional; if you have a fancy function to attend on your trip then you should carry a formal outfit)
Pick out your airport look from the clothing articles you wish to take along. It saves up a considerable amount of space in your luggage.
Try to keep your traveling items as minimal as possible so you can travel freely without unnecessary weight holding you back.